Travel in Style with Factio's Newest Issue

Hey, all of you Factio Magazine readers! If you're in Chicago, make sure you pick up a copy of our summer issue! It's packed with style, travel, celeb scoops and the best fashion and art parties (Vogue, 86Collective, Jeff Koons) - everything you find in our websites basically, but in a large oversized, glossy format! Pick it up at high-end places like boutiques (all over Bucktown) or in the magazine boxes in The Loop and off of Michigan Avenue!

Here is a look at some of our favorite pages from this issue...
In Press Trip, we ask our friends in fashion media to tell us about their favorite vacations, and of course, what they packed! Our friends in this feature include, D. Graham Kostic and Amalie Drury from CS magazine, Stacey Roney of Glossed and Found, Kelly Ryan O'Brien and Susanna Homan from Michigan Avenue Magazine, Amy Tara Koch, a Chicago-based trend reporter, Beth Wilson of WWD and Elisabeth Fourmont from Chicago magazine and La Coquette. Not in Chicago, check out the online feature click here.
A special thanks to photographer Kristiina Wilson. We already received a shout out from Papierdoll mag, so thank you! Are you a fashion photographer and interested in working with us? E-mail marketing@factio-magazine.com, Photography in the subject!
Our travels took us to the ever-inspirational Las Alamandas resort in Mexico, at the helm of heiress Isabel Goldsmith-Patiño, who is also featured in the issue! Click here to watch our video on the gorgeous resort.
Find out what to wear, and where to wear it - London, the Greek Islands, Mexico City, Miami and Tokyo.

Beauty is global, we didn't have to tell you that, but we did find some amazing products from all over the world. Shea Terra Organics from Africa, Chidoriya from Japan, La Compagnie de Provence Marseille from France, Ortigia Sicilia from Italy and Summersent, from Evanston (Illinois)!
This page features refreshing designs: MCL Designs, Lana's Shooting Stars, Tanishq, Dana Rebecca Designs. Check it out online.
Factio Magazine produced its 2nd Annual After Art Party for the much-anticipated Artropolis/Art Chicago weekend, bringing on local celebrity hosts Ali Azhar and Kelly Edwards from "Design on a Dime." Sponsors included Artropolis/Art Chicago, The Peshtigo, Branmar Swiss Watches, Rubi Rey Rum, Summersent, IQMatics, Fig Media and Michelle Levelle Boutique.
You know we love our fashion parties, and in this issue there was a slew of them, including Nordstrom's Fall Fashion Preview, An Evening in Vogue, Lux5, Night of Stars, Michelle Levelle Launch Party, and the Gen Art Film Festival, where we re-cap the 5 looks of the Gen Art gals.

A special thanks to our sponsors and advertisers for spring and summer, for without them, we wouldn't be possible. Thank you so much for partnering with us to launch and feature your products. Take a moment to check them out!

Michelle Levelle Boutique
IQMatics
Summersent
The Illinois Institute of Art
W Hotels
James De Colon
En-Vent
Heike Jarick
Rubi Rey Rum
86Collective
Ideeli
The Peshtigo
Art Chicago/Artropolis
Branmar Swiss Watches
Dismero
Gamma Player

Interested in advertising or sponsoring one of our events? We have multi-media opportunities in print, web, e-mail marketing and events. Contact kerchh@factio-magazine.com.

An Evening in Vogue

Summer in Chicago is bound to be a fashionable one, and there's no better way to kick it off than with a Vogue party. On Thursday, June 26, Vogue, Men's Vogue and special guests Miae Lim and Marc Brooks hosted the "Evenings in Vogue" at Brasserie Ruhlmann (501 W. Superior St.), and the extravagance didn't stop with the location.

"It was a really eclectic blend of people which reflected the many layers of Chicago: artsy, fashion folk, restaurateurs, execs, young, older and a smattering of socialites," said Chicago-based trend reporter Amy Tara Koch. "The weather was perfect so we had sexy halter dresses, glam shifts and jewel encrusted tunics. A lot of men were sporting crisp, colored linen jackets and old school pork pie hats."

Sleek Jaguars drove VIP guests to the door, while leggy Vogue girls led them into the thriving party. The front patio became a swanky lounge, complete with a bar and complimentary hand-rolled Cahibo cigars. Guests indulged in the delicious hors d' oeuvres such as tuna tartare, crab cakes and smoked salmon, while cooling off with drinks like Tommy Bahama's passion fruit cocktails and Santa Margherita's Pinot Grigio.

Attendees were invited to enter for a chance to win a Caressa diamond necklace and to browse the fall 2008 Band of Outsiders collection by Scott Sternberg. Models stood in the center of the venue showing off the designer's signature schoolgirl looks, full of long gloves, plaid minis and smart blazers.
Guests included Chicago business mogul Les Coney and local designer Orlando Espinoza. The crowd was a dizzying display of the season's most stylish choices, but the standout was Miae Lim's white, tiered dress by Ralph Lauren. Lim is the successful owner of Japonais, Mirai Sushi and the party's location, among many others. Lim and fellow restaurateur Marc Brooks of Room 21 and Park 52 were both celebrated for their ambitious entrepreneurship and creative concepts.
-Grace Bahk

Photos by Alyssa Blanchard

Chicago Wants in on Fashion’s Night Out!

After the first successful run of Fashion’s Night Out last year, the second celebration of fashion retailers and consumer shopping is right around the corner except this year, Chicago is not missing out! Mayor Daley explains that this is a big move for Chicagoans because, as an up-and-coming style-forward city, it really proves that we are committed to the art of fashion and want to be considered one of the top shopping destinations. Chicago department stores like Macy’s, Neiman Marcus, and Saks, along with retailers like The Shops at North Bridge and Water Tower Place will all be included in FNO. Take advantage of the extended hours and in-store perks that will help to bring retailers and shoppers of the Chicagoland area together in the celebration of fashion! - Leigh Loosbrock

Take a look at the events below!

Blake Standard with Perchance Boutique, Kaveri, Cinnamon Boutique and Riley Boutique.
On Friday, September 10 in honor of Fashion’s Night Out and in order to celebrate the first Blake Standard fall shipments at four Chicago boutiques, Blake Standard is treating its biggest fans. Blake Standard is giving gift certificates to four local restaurants when shoppers purchase any new Blake Standard fall pieces. At Perchance shoppers will receive $10.00 to Southport Grocery, at Kaveri $10.00 to Kith & Kin, at Cinnamon shoppers will be rewarded with $10.00 to Volo and at Riley they will receive $10.00 to Feast. “We are excited to be a part of this worldwide fashion industry event,” says Creative Director Pierre Colorado. Celebrate the first of the fall 2010 arrivals and get in on the Fashion’s Night Out festivities with Blake Standard. The offer is valid for the entire day, and includes only the purchase of Blake Standard pieces while supplies last.

Macy’s at Water Tower Place
835 N. Michigan Avenue,
Chicago IL, 60611
6-11pm
Receive mini-spa treatments from Lush Cosmetics while grooving to today's hottest tunes and enjoying sips and sweets. The party continues in the shoe department where shoppers will receive a special gift with purchases from Carlos Santana, Franco Sarto, and Via Spiga. Visit the Impulse Department to receive some special gifts with a purchase from Joe's Jeans and more. Macy’s guests will end the evening getting their photo taken on the cover of a VOGUE magazine.

Macy’s on State Street
111 N. State Street,
Chicago IL, 60602
10am-11pm
Macy's on State Street is hosting an unprecedented shopping experience full of fun, festivities and most importantly, fashion! Shoppers are welcome to start the day off with the 10th annual Distinction in Design Competition. Beginning at 10 a.m., all Chicago area designers are invited to present samples/sketches to a panel of Macy’s top industry insiders and gain valuable insight. At 10 p.m. the Macy’s team will announce a Best-of-Show awarded with a $1,000 cash prize and a Runner-Up awarded with a $500 cash prize. From 6 to 11 p.m., Macy’s special guest Vicki Gunvalson, of The Real Housewives of Orange County will be on hand to gift customers who spend more than $75 a signed copy of her best selling book “More Than A Housewife.” Attendees of Fashion’s Night Out at Macy’s on State Street can also shop collections from Chicago-based designers and the Chicago Fashion Incubator 2010 Designers-in Residence fall collections. Guests are welcome to sip and snack while watching models in this season’s hottest looks. Shop and receive special gifts with purchases from Joe's Jeans, Carlos Santana, Franco Sarto, Via Spiga, Michael Michael Kors and many more.

Neiman Marcus
737 N. Michigan Avenue,
Chicago, IL 60611
6-8pm
Michelle Alegria of WLS-TV’s 190 North’s will be on hand at 7 p.m. to emcee a Fall 2010 trends fashion show. Guests will have the opportunity to sample local fair and receive a makeover from Estee Lauder. Designer Taryn Rose will also be on hand to present her new line of shoes, Haute Footure. Nordstrom 520 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago IL 60611 6-10pm Don’t miss Fashions Night Out at Nordstrom Michigan Avenue, where the entire store will be buzzing with fashionable activities. Shop exclusive collections from TOMS shoes, William Rast, Burberry Cosmetics and more. Learn the latest beauty tips and tricks from our team of beauty experts, get the inside scoop on special products and gifts available only that day, and receive an exclusive gift with purchase all at our Girls Getting Gorgeous party. Enter for a chance to win a signed Michael Buble suit from one of his live concerts, and a Golden Ticket Fashion Experience full of everything you need to start the season in style including a $2,500 shopping spree, closet makeover with a Nordstrom Personal Stylist and a one-year subscription to Vogue. Plus, enjoy a DJ, fun treats and other special surprises along the way.

Saks Fifth Avenue
700 and 717 N. Michigan Avenue,
Chicago IL, 60611
6-10pm
Celebrate Fashion’s Night Out at Saks Fifth Avenue’s Main Store and Men’s Store with a night of shopping, cocktails, live entertainment, complimentary rock ‘n’ roll makeovers, and more. Enjoy the Rock Out and Make Up Event on the first floor, and a Contemporary Fashion Show on the fifth floor. DJs and informal modeling will run throughout the evening. Customers can enjoy complimentary blow-outs from the Salon at Saks Fifth Avenue. Shop with a MasterCard® and receive an exclusive rock ‘n’ roll play list. Retail Destinations The Shops at North Bridge 520 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago IL 60611 6-9pm Shop ‘til you drop at The Shops at North Bridge on Michigan Avenue. Shoppers are invited to spend the evening partaking in exclusive in-store events, and take in Fall’s hottest trends from Nordstrom, Kenneth Cole, Stuart Weitzman, Armani Exchange, Swarovski and more at a runway fashion show starting at 6:30 p.m. The evening will be filled with one-night only shopping incentives, gifts with purchases and complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cocktails.

Water Tower Place
835 N Michigan Avenue,
Chicago, IL 60611
5-9pm
Guests will enjoy shopping incentives, mini makeovers and massages, cocktails, hors d’ouvres and live entertainment. Models will be showcasing the latest Fall 2010 fashions. Every customer who spends $150 or more will receive and exclusive Fashion’s Night Out tote bag plus two tickets to the dress rehearsal of TRACES at Broadway in Chicago’s Broadway Playhouse.

For more information about Fashion’s Night Out in Chicago visit www.chicagofashionresource.com or www.fashionsnightout.com, powered by QVC.

Bebe Store Opening

If you thought Bebe’s legacy would end with Ally McBeal, take a look at the bold logo above Chicago’s newest and largest retail space yet.

A chic crowd of fashionistas celebrated Bebe’s marquee flagship opening on Oak Street last Thursday. Co-sponsored by Vogue, the event supported SAIC’s recently unveiled Sage Studios, a 25,000 square-foot addition to one of the oldest Fashion Design departments in the nation.

Earlier that evening at SAIC’s “Behind the Seams” event (very Project Runway), Bebe CEO Gregory Scott gave three $1,500 awards to showcased seniors well on their way to join ranks with the likes of alum Halston and Cynthia Rowley. “Bebe has always recognized bold and innovative style, and we are proud to help foster the next generation of design talent here in Chicago,” said Scott. “With our new retail space on Oak Street, we are excited to expand our presence in such a fashion-driven city.”

Live models on platforms scattered throughout the three-story boutique welcomed attendees of the party. The creamy marble floors were packed with an eclectic mix of designers, Factio readers and industry insiders who helped themselves to “Bebelinis,” white wine, and delicate sashimi hors d'oeuvres while lining up to try the main attraction – the clothes, which was more fun to peruse while listening to the pulsating sounds courtesy of Fig Media's DJ Megan Taylor.
The store’s exclusive Mykonos-themed selection is an unexpected whirlwind of color, and unlike any other Bebe collection to date. The first floor is a shrine to glossy accessories and gloriously high gladiator heels. Wind up the staircase for feminine trenches, blouses, and high-waisted pencil skirts. And no Bebe store is complete without its classic logo apparel, for which the entire third floor is dedicated.

Particularly eye-catching is the emphasis on delicate, flowy silhouettes, as exemplified by the store assistants wrapped in floor-length silk maxis of every vivid print imaginable.

The evening’s festivities continued at the post-party, held at premier nightspot Underground, where guests enjoyed VIP access and complimentary martinis.

As the largest and most extravagant boutique in Manny Mashouf’s $500-million empire, the “stylish but sensual” Bebe opens its doors and makes her glamorous presence known to North Michigan Avenue’s exclusive fête of Chicago’s fabulously fashion-forward.

Bebe is located at 109 E. Oak St. On the web, visit www.bebe.com.

*Photos by Bob Carl.
1. A model wearing a look designed by an SAIC student designer.
2. Host Katrina Markoff (owner/chocolatier of Vosges Haut Chocolat), Bebe CEO Greg Scott and Host Zoraida Sambolin (NBC on-air personality).
3. Models wearing Bebe spring looks at the opening party.
-Grace Bahk